Layoff notices for custodians approved

As talks on a new labor contract continue, the board will offer early retirement incentives to eligible school custodians, the article stated.

According to the article, in case negotiations stall, the board approved layoff notices for 21 full-time custodians and nine part-time cleaners.

"That''s the group, the custodians, we’re struggling with in terms of reaching a solution," Superintendent Ron Caniff said.

"What we have to do to keep all options open while we continue to bargain is provide notification of layoff. That does not mean when the day is done that will happen. But if we cannot reach a resolution at the bargaining table, then we have to move forward," Caniff added.

Both full outsourcing and partial privatization, which would only replace those who accepted early retirement, are on the bargaining table, the article noted.